An effective NHS leadership

Quint Studer, the founder and chief executive officer of the US-based Studer Group, offers an American perspective on Lord Darzi’s plans for the NHS.

While Lord Darzi’s recommendations may have caused a stir in the UK with ambition goals, they are not insurmountable.

The review revealed that patients want greater control and influence over their care and better co-ordination between patients and staff as well as reduce infections.

There may vast differences in our healthcare system, but in the US we have been dealing with many of the same challenges.

As the founder of a healthcare outcomes firm, creating a culture that includes leadership development and accountability, and engages hospital staff, can improve quality of care and patient satisfaction.

That creates an improved workplace and outcomes and leads to higher staff retention, which is a critical element with evidence suggesting that when staff turnover drops below 12%, the adjusted mortality index of a hospital falls by 20%.

Healthcare leaders, physicians, nurses and support staff are often united by a desire to make a difference. To achieve the results Lord Darzi seeks, the NHS needs to look at the best practices being shown in hospitals, particularly those that have been successful in engaging staff.

All healthcare managers want to achieve the goals of satisfied patients and dedicated staff members but a culture of accountability and good quality leadership practices will be essential in achieving this.

The advice we give leaders in healthcare is to "assure your employees that they are critical to your success."